Tweet of the day about major events in our 150-year history

Throughout 2015 we shall issue a ‘tweet of the day’, with hashtag #saveopenspaces150, highlighting an event in our history, and will reproduce the tweets here with a little more information where relevant. Watch the list grow daily to build up a picture of what we have done in our 150-year history.

January – click here to open/close

Day 1: OSS founded on 19 July 1865, at George Shaw-Lefevre’s offices in the Inner Temple. The catalyst was the threat to London’s commons.

Day 2: On the night of 6 March 1866 OSS organises a trainload of navvies to march to Berkhamsted Common and pull down the fences, erected illegally by Lord Brownlow’s estate. They were never put back and the common now belongs to the National Trust.

Day 6: The society helps to win the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act 1871 which enables the land to be held and managed for public enjoyment.

Day 7: The society helps to secure the Wandsworth Common Act 1871 to protect and manage this London common.

Day 8: The society thwarts a Bill to inclose the Forest of Dean, 1875.

Day 9: Thanks to the society, the Commons Act 1876 has a provision requiring the ‘benefit of the neighbourhood’ to be considered before a common can be inclosed or developed.

Day 10: The society is instrumental in achieving the New Forest Act 1877 which states that the New Forest must remain open and uninclosed, and protects the Forest in the interests of the public and the commoners, reorganising the Court of Verderers so that it better represents the commoners.

Day 11: In 1877 the society helps to save Mitcham Common from the London & Brighton Railway Co, and from Croydon Local Board wanting to convert 100 acres into a sewage farm.

Day 12: In 1877 the society helps to save Barnes Common from the London and South-Western Railway, and from a sewage scheme promoted by Richmond Rural Sanitary Authority.

Day 13: In 1879 the society wins clauses in the Manchester Corporation Act, which give the public the right to roam on commons adjoining the new Thirlmere reservoir in the Lake District, a vital precedent for other Acts of Parliament.

Day 14: In 1878 the society saves three acres of Wood Green Common, Hornsey, from being taken by the Great Eastern Railway Company’s parliamentary bill, limiting the land-take to an unfenced road across the common.

Day 15: In 1878 OSS saves Epping Forest from inclosure, having established the rights of local people to lop timber; Epping Forest Act 1878 confirms the forest as an open space for the public. The final lopping ceremony is held on 10 November 1879.

Day 16: In 1878 OSS wins ten acres of park when Nottingham Corporation promotes a bill to acquire Bulwell Forest Common and convert 80 acres into a cemetery.

Day 17: In 1880 the society helps the City of London Corporation acquire Burnham Beeches in Bucks to hold it as an open space for the public.

Day 18: In 1880-1 the OSS succeeds in getting the provision of a branch line affecting Bookham Common, Surrey, removed from the South Western Railway Bill.

Day 19: In 1881-2 the OSS secures the dedication of green space in the scheme for Tottenham Commons, Haringey.

Day 20: In 1883 the City of London Corporation dedicates to the public 400 acres of Coulsdon Commons, Croydon, comprising Riddlesworth Down, Farthing Down, Kenley and Coulsdon Commons. The OSS had saved them through court action some years before.

Day 21: In 1882-3 the promoters of the Manchester Ship Canal want to take the whole of Morley Common, Warrington. The OSS wins a clause in the bill to require them to provide exchange land.

Day 22: In 1882-3 the Midland, Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Milford Junction railway is planned across the centre of Penn Common, Wolverhampton. The OSS persuades the commoners and Birmingham Corporation to object until the promoters agree to alter the line and to give exchange land.

Day 24: In 1882-3 the OSS opposes the Freshwater & Yarmouth Railway Extension Bill which threatened Colwall Common, Isle of Wight, and persuaded the promoters to pay for improving other commons in the neighbourhood in compensation.

Day 25: In 1884 the Malvern Hills Act, which is backed by the society, establishes conservators and protects 1,000 acres of common land for public enjoyment.

Day 26: In 1883-4 OSS wins an amendment to the Strensall Common Bill, York, giving the public the right of recreation when the common is not in use for military training.

Day 27: In 1883 the new owner of Esher Common, Surrey, encloses part of it. The OSS objects and wins exchange land.

Day 28: In 1884 the Commons Preservation Society sets up a Haslemere branch, on the initiative of our founder Robert Hunter. This later becomes the Haslemere Society.

Day 29: In 1884 the OSS persuades the promoters of the Huntingdon Corporation and Freemen’s Arrangement Bill to withdraw it, saving the Huntingdon Commons from enclosure.

Day 30: In 1887 the OSS opposes the Great Eastern Railway Bill which threatens to allow a railway line to be built across Coldham Common, Cambridge. As a result the railway avoids the common.

Day 31: In 1889 the Midland Railway Company proposes to acquire part of Old St Pancras burial ground for widening the railway line and the OSS wins a clause in the Bill requiring the company to provide exchange land.

February – click here to open/close

Day 32: In 1889 the OSS wins an amendment to the Great Torrington Commons Bill, Devon, to prevent the conservators being given the power to enclose 100 acres of common land.

Day 33: In 1889 the Bournemouth Park Act provides for 100 acres to be presented to Bournemouth Town Council for the enjoyment of the public, at the instigation of the OSS.

Day 34: In 1889 the OSS persuades the Shortlands & Nunhead Railway Company to shift its proposed line to avoid a recreation ground through which runs the River Ravensbourne in south London.

Day 35: In 1890 the OSS helps to ensure that Bethnal Green Poor’s Land in east London is vested in London County Council and held as a recreation ground for local inhabitants. It was threatened with sale.

Day 36: In 1891 the OSS prevents London County Council from building a fire station on Clapham Common.

Day 37: In 1891 the OSS prevents the Select Vestry of St Margaret’s Leicester from winning an Act which would have given it powers to sell 17 acres of allotments.

Day 38: In 1892 the OSS wins clauses in the Birmingham Corporation Act which give the public the right of access to the Elan Valley commons in Powys, and ensure the common rights are saved, when the Elan Valley reservoirs are built. The clauses, known as ‘the Birmingham Clauses’ become a precedent for other major developments on commons.

Day 39: In 1892 the OSS wins an amendment to the Aldershot Roads Bill to secure two rights of way across Bisley and Purbright Commons, Surrey, which are occupied by the War Dept for rifle practice.

Day 40: In 1892 the OSS helps the Bristol & District Footpath Preservation Society stop the owner from enclosing Walton-in-Gordano Common and obstructing paths there.

Day 41: In 1892 the OSS persuades East Sussex County Council to stop dumping road material on Turner’s Hill village green.

Day 42: In 1893 the society, represented by Sir John Brunner MP, acts as relator in an action by the attorney-general against a landowner in Northwich, Cheshire, who illegally enclosed highway verges. The obstructions are removed.

Day 43: In 1893 the OSS persuades the local authority to remove illegal obstructions from a lane leading from Twickenham & Teddington to the River Thames.

Day 44: In 1893 the OSS secures the removal of a notice-board on Crown land near Oxshott railway station, Surrey, which said that there were man-traps and spikes in the ground.

Day 45: In 1893 with the backing of OSS, Parliament confirms the regulation scheme for Banstead Commons, Surrey, thereby saving them from development.

Day 46: In 1894 the Local Government Act, for which our founder Lord Eversley is largely responsible, puts a duty on district and county councils to keep roadside wastes clear.

Day 47: In 1894 the OSS wins an amendment to the Consett Water Works Bill by which the water company proposes to acquire 177 acres of common land on Edmonbyers and Muggleswick Moor, County Durham. The amendment protects the commoners from interference with their rights by the company.

Day 48: In 1894 the OSS wins an amendment to the Cardiff Corporation Bill to prevent the corporation from having powers to build on any surplus land of the 111 acres of common land in Brecon and Glamorganshire.

Day 49: In 1894 the OSS wins an amendment to the Gloucester Corporation Bill to remove the provision which allows the corporation to enclose 300 acres of Lammas lands.

Day 50: In 1894, on the society’s advice, a commanding officer of a volunteeer corps removes the fence and temporary building which he has erected unlawfully on Buckley Common, Flintshire.

Day 51: In 1895 the OSS is responsible for the formation of the National Trust as a landholding body, with Robert Hunter as chairman and Lawrence Chubb as secretary.

Day 53: In 1896 the OSS defeats the Petersham and Ham Lands and Footpath Bill which would have caused the enclosure of 2-300 acres in Surrey, including Ham Common Fields.

Day 54: In 1896 the OSS wins an amendment to the South Wales and Bristol Direct Railway Company Bill to provide exchange land for Westerleigh and Yate Common, Gloucestershire, and a footpath under the railway to give access to the common.

Day 55: In 1896 the Rhymney Railway Bill threatens to take Craig-evan-Leyshon Common and the line is set to run through a recreation ground. The OSS wins a tunnel to save the common and the rec.

Day 56: In 1897 the OSS backs court action which defeats an attempt to enclose Hollesley Common, Suffolk.

Day 57: In 1897 the OSS backs a parishioner who is threatened by the landowner of trespassing on the Egloskerry turf fuel allotment in Cornwall. The society takes the case to court and wins, thereby setting an important precedent for other fuel allotments.

Day 58: In 1897 the Welsh Explosive Co proposes to erect factories on Towyn Trewan Common, Anglesey. The commoners and the OSS commence court action to save the common and they win.

Day 59: In 1897 the lord of the manor claims that the Sporting Green at Bridestowe, Devon, is private property. The parish council considers there is a right of recreation. The OSS establishes there is such a right and reaches an agreement with the landowner.

March – click here to open/close

Day 60: In 1897 Wargrave ferry across the River Thames is reinstated following a public inquiry at which the OSS is represented.

Day 61: In 1897 the OSS helps a parish meeting require Worcestershire County Council to reopen a blocked path at Cleeve Prior, Evesham.

Day 62: In 1897 the OSS wins exchange land for half an acre of Cookhamdean Common which is taken for a new school.

Day 63: In 1897 the OSS wins exchange land for Moorhouse and Hooton Pagnell Commons in the West Riding of Yorkshire. They had been threatened by the Hull & South Yorkshire Extension Railway Bill.

Day 64: In 1897 the OSS achieves the abandonment of plans in the Midland and Great Northern Railways Bill to acquire part of Southtown Common, Yarmouth, and Gunton Denes Common, Lowestoft.

Day 65: In 1897 the OSS wins a clause in the Leeds Corporation (Water, Tramways and Improvement) Bill, preventing the corporation from acquiring any common lands.

Day 66: In 1898 the OSS wins a provision in the Mumbles Railway and Pier Bill for the promoters to make and maintain footways and carriageways over, under and across the new railway in exchange for taking some common land.

Day 67: In 1898 the OSS wins a clause in the Keighley Corporation Bill giving the public the right to roam over Stanbury Moor, West Yorkshire.

Day 68: In 1898 the OSS helped the Newcastle freemen to win exchange land when the Newcastle upon Tyne Corporation Bill gave the corporation the power to appropriate 10 acres of Castle Leazes Common.

Day 69: In 1898 the OSS, with the National Trust and Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, persuades the Charity Commission not to allow a building on the Master’s Garden, St Cross, Winchester.

Day 70: In 898 the OSS helps to form the Thames Preservation League to protect the Thames for public enjoyment.

Day 71: The Commons Act 1899, inspired by the OSS, repeals statutes which allow enclosure of commons and enable district councils to manage commons in the public interest.

Day 72: In 1899 the OSS opposes the Nutley, Crowborough and Groombridge Light Railway Bill in East Sussex because of its adverse effect on Ashdown Forest. The bill is rejected and the forest saved.

Day 73: The 1900 Bournemouth Corporation Act enables the corporation to acquire Poor’s Lands in order to dedicate them as open spaces and recreation grounds. This follows an earlier bill which threatened enclosure of this land, which was rejected because of the society’s opposition.

Day 74: In 1901 OSS helps to raise £66,862 to buy 43 acres extending Brockwell Park, Brixton, and vest it in London County Council, for public enjoyment.

Day 75: In 1900 the OSS wins a clause in the Hoylake and West Kirby Improvement Bill for vesting 43 acres of common in Birkenhead Corporation, thus protecting it for public recreation.

Day 76: In 1900 the Huntingdon Corporation Bill was thrown out after the OSS objected—it would have allowed the corporation to acquire many commons for building and other purposes, eg Views, Mill and Spring commons.

Day 77: In 1900 the OSS wins an amendment to the Lancaster Corporation Bill (which gives the corporation power to sell 210-acre Lancaster Marsh) so that 30 acres are provided as public recreation grounds.

Day 78: In 1900 the Military Maneouvres Bill, which allows the War Office to occupy commons including Dartmoor, the New Forest and Cannock Chase, is thrown out thanks to the OSS’s opposition.

Day 79: c 1900 the OSS forms a committee to protect commoners’ rights on Aberdovey Common, Merioneth,when land is enclosed. Two miles of unlawful fencing are pulled down.

Day 80: c 1900 the OSS secures removal of encroachments on the Dartmoor commons of Moor Plat, Belstone, and at Throwleigh.

Day 81: c 1900 OSS helps secure Colwell Common, Totland, Isle of Wight from enclosure and development by purchasing and vesting a right of common in Isle of Wight Rural District Council.

Day 82: In 1900 the OSS secures the removal of an obstruction from a path at Sewarstone, Essex, which gives access to Epping Forest.

Day 83: c 1900 OSS contributes to costs and advises on legal case on behalf of the commoners to prevent Tor Glass Common, Brecon, from being used for waterworks.

Day 84: In 1900 the OSS advised on a court case regarding a missing footbridge over the River Irfon at Doldymer, Llanwrtyd, Brecon, The court held that a right of way had been established and the local authority erected a footbridge.

Day 85: In 1900 the OSS helps to stop the government from building the large National Physical Laboratory in the Old Deer Park, Richmond.

Day 86: c1900 OSS advises Newquay Urban District Council, Cornwall, to lease Newquay headland and give the public access there.

Day 87: c1900 the OSS helps Chandlers Ford Parish Council, Hants, in legal action against the obstruction of King’s Lane, an inclosure award route, which is reopened.

Day 88: In 1901 the OSS is represented on a committee which leads to the purchase of land to protect the view from Richmond Hill, Surrey.

Day 89: In 1901 the OSS helps to ensure that Lambourne Common, Epping Forest, is purchased and protected for the public.

Day 90: In 1901 the OSS and Cirencester Rural District Council wins two paths in place of one which has been obstructed, between Preston and Ampney St Mary church, Glos.

April – click here to open/close

Day 91: In 1901 OSS persuaded Camberwell & Lewisham councils to buy Oak of Honor Hill, an important viewpoint, as open space for public enjoyment.

Day 92: c 1901 the OSS secures the removal of an obstruction from a path leading from Snettisham to the Knoll, a view point on Ken Hill, Norfolk, following court action.

Day 93: In 1901 the OSS opposes a clause in the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Bill which threaten a public footpath at Hurst Green, Oxted, Surrey and part of the common. The clause is thrown out and the common and path are saved.

Day 94: In the Bethlehem Hospital Bill 1901 the OSS secures a provision to prevent the governors from selling or leasing open lands around the hospital buildings in Southwark.

Day 95: In 1902 the OSS helps to win the Richmond, Petersham and Ham Open Space Act which preserves the view from Richmond Hill.

Day 97: In 1902 the OSS wins a clause in the North-Eastern Railway Bill to provide exchange land for Maltby Common, Barnsley.

Day 98: In 1902 OSS wins amendment to Swansea Corporation Bill to limit the area of Craig-Trewyddfa Common taken, from 48 to 12 acres, with the creation of a 10-acre recreation ground.

Day 99: In 1903 the OSS wins an amendment to the Hastings Harbour District Railway Bill to protect East Hill, Hastings.

Day 100: In 1903 OSS wins amendment to Wood Green Urban District Council Bill whereby, in exchange for dust destructor being built on part of common, the council improves the rest of the common and dedicates new open space.

Day 101: In 1902 OSS achieves a scheme for Merrow Downs common, Surrey, to restrict the area reserved for shooting and protecting land from enclosure.

Day 102: In 1902 OSS secures removal of obstructions from rights of way on the Kymin, Monmouth, and then helps National Trust to acquire the Kymin by buying 9 acres for £300.

Day 103: In 1903 the OSS helps to secure a scheme under the Commons Act 1899 for Leagrave Common, Beds, to protect it from encroachment.

Day 104: In 1903 the OSS advises on the recognition of paths as public rights of way at Aspley Heath and Wavendon, Bucks, on Duke of Bedford’s land.

Day 105: In 1903 the OSS helped Dunsden Parish Council, Oxon, to save a public path in court and repair a stile there.

Day 106: In 1903 OSS mediates re blocked paths on Chequers Estate, Bucks, and as a result secures 36 footpaths and bridleways for public use.

Day 107: In 1903 the OSS persuades Hartley Wintney Rural District Council to remove a fence which obstructs a footpath, a valuable link between Froyle Road and Sutton Common Road, Hants.

Day 108: In 1903 the OSS secures the recording and reopening of two blocked paths at Nettlebed Wood, Henley, Oxfordshire.

Day 109: In 1903 the OSS persuades Saddleworth Urban District Council to secure 23 acres at Pots and Pans and 10 footpaths on Saddleworth Moor, Yorkshire.

Day 110: In 1904 the OSS wins clauses in the Acton Improvement Bill to protect Acton Green, west London.

Day 111: In 1904 the OSS wins an amendment to the Barrow-in-Furness Corporation Bill to ensure that Dunnerdale Fell, Cumbria, is used only for an easement and is not otherwise affected.

Day 112: In 1904 the OSS prevents the Bournemouth Corporation Bill from taking open spaces without giving exchange land.

Day 113: In 1904 the OSS achieves the removal of a clause from the Liverpool and Wigan Churches Bill which would have allowed sale of burial grounds.

Day 114: In 1905 the OSS helps defeat the Great Western Railway Bill which would have destroyed Stoke Common, Stoke Poges, Bucks.

Day 115: In 1905 the OSS helps to raise money for London County Council to acquire Ruskin Park, Denmark Hill.

Day 116: In 1905 the OSS persuades Chipping Norton Corporation, Oxon, to buy stints of common land to prevent enclosure.

Day 117: In 1905 the OSS helps to secure the purchase of Earlstone Common, Burghclere, Hants as an open space, vested in trustees one of whom is appointed by the National Trust.

Day 118: In 1905 OSS persuades the landowner of Hatfield Heath Common, Essex, to give exchange land for that enclosed.

Day 119: In 1905 the OSS’s advice to fishermen on their rights to dry nets on Walmer Beach, Kent, upheld in court.

Day 120: In 1905 the OSS defeats the diversion of a path crossing allotment land at Peterborough.

May – click here to open/close

Day 121: In 1905 the OSS secures a path through the Hammonds Estate, Checkendon, Oxon.

Day 122: In 1905 the OSS is appointed by the owner of Chequers Estate, Ellesborough, Bucks, to define all the public paths there, leading to the recording of 4 miles of public rights of way.

Day 123: In 1905 OSS advises Hurley Parish Council, Berks, on its powers to require the repair of paths, and the society reaches an agreement with a landowner to set out certain paths.

Day 124: In 1905 the OSS secures the removal of a private notice on the path giving access to Loughrigg Fell from Clappersgate, Ambleside, Cumbria.

Day 125: In 1905 the OSS and Dartmoor Preservation Association persuade the Duchy of Cornwall to arrange with the tenant of Crockern Farm (who had erected a ‘private’ notice) to provide a footpath to Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor.

Day 126: In 1906 the OSS raises the money to buy Hindhead Common and the Devil’s Punchbowl, Surrey, to give to the National Trust.

Day 127: In 1906 OSS wins exchange land for Moorhouse Common and saves Maltby Low Common, S Yorks, from the Great Northern Railway Bill.

Day 128: In the 1906 London & SW Railway Bill OSS wins exchange land for Ditton Marsh, Esher, Surrey.

Day 129: OSS achieves removal of clauses from Metropolitan Water Board (Various Powers) Bill 1906 which would have affected common land at Sawbridgeworth, Harlow, Waltham Abbey and Chingford.

Day 130: OSS achieves limitations of the water board’s powers in the Metropolitan Water Board (Various Powers) Bill 1907 to ensure there is no interference with Wyke Green, Isleworth; Plough Green, Malden; Lower Green, Mitcham and Mitcham and Streatham Commons.

Day 131: In 1907 the OSS advises the Free Fishermen of Hoarwithy, Herefordshire, whose fishing rights are challenged by Earl of Chesterfield. Court upholds fishing rights.

Day 132: In 1907 the OSS objects to enclosure of Milford Common, Surrey, and the Board of Agriculture rejects the scheme.

Day 133: OSS helps win Nettlebed and District Commons Preservation Act 1906 in Oxfordshire, to protect the Nettlebed commons and give public access there.

Day 134: In 1907 the OSS assists Church Stretton Commoners’ Committee, Shropshire, in dispute with golf course which is erecting fences to keep out stock, OSS persuades golf club to pay rent to committee and ensure that fencing will not exclude sheep and public.

Day 135: In 1907 the OSS advises St Asaph Rural District Council and Abergele Parish Council on the removal of obstructions from footpaths in Abergele. This is done after Denbighshire County Council intervenes.

Day 136: In 1907 the OSS persuades the Dugdale trustees, landowners in Shropshire, to recognise claimed public path between Baddesley and Baxterley.

Day 137: In 1907 the OSS persuades Llanrwst Rural District Council and Betws-y-Coed Urban District Council to replace stepping-stones which had been washed away on a crossing of the River Conwy.

Day 138: In 1907 OSS advises Dolgellau Rural District Council re two blocked footpaths adjoining Mawddach estuary, council initiates proceedings and one path is proclaimed to be public.

Day 139: In 1907 the OSS advises Bradfield Rural District Council, Berkshire, on the removal of an obstruction from a bridleway.

Day 140: In 1907 the OSS persuades landowner to remove obstruction from footpath between Lyme Regis & Seaton, Devon.

Day 141: In 1907 the OSS advises the owner of Grenehurst, Ockley, Surrey on which of his paths were rights of way and mapped them.

Day 142: In 1907 the OSS advises on a case which leads to the claim of a right of way by the canal, Radcliffe, Lancs

Day 143: In 1907 the OSS helps Marsden Urban District Council in Yorkshire to establish an ancient packhorse road on Marsden Moor as a right of way.

Day 151: In 1908-10 the OSS wins an amendment to the Fishguard & Rosslare Railways and Harbour Bill to save Goodwick Manor, Pembroke.

June – click here to open/close

Day 152: In about 1908 the OSS wins an amendment to the SE & Chatham Railway Bill to save path at Greatness, Sevenoaks, Kent.

Day 153: In about 1908 the OSS wins a substitute path for a way to be closed by the Southend- on-Sea Corporation Bill.

Day 154: In about 1908 OSS defeats clauses in Liverpool Corp Bill stopping up footpaths at Rivington, Lancashire.

Day 155: In about 1908 the OSS procures a settlement between the landowner and commoners at Cranham Common, Glos, to protect commoners’ rights.

Day 156: In 1910 the OSS successfully opposes a funicular light-railway from Malvern to Worcestershire Beacon.

Day 157: In about 1908 the OSS’s defence of Norton Common, Letchworth, Herts leads to the formation of a vigorous local branch of the society.

Day 158: In about 1908 the OSS stops Whitley & Monkseaton Urban District Council from enclosing 5.5 acres of Whitley Links Common, Northumberland.

Day 159: In about 1908 the OSS defends the rights of fishermen on Sheringham Common, Norfolk, in court action.

Day 160: In about 1909 the OSS saves footpaths between Lowestoft and Southwold, Suffolk, threatened by aeroplane syndicate.

Day 161: In about 1909 the OSS advises and wins a path claim at Conkwell, near Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire.

Day 162: In about 1909 the OSS achieves the removal of obstructions from an alleged bridle road between Lewes and Glynde in East Sussex.

Day 163: In about 1909 the OSS persuades landowner to give Llanlleiana Head, Anglesey, to the National Trust.

Day 164: In about 1909 the OSS proves that a way leading from Salterns Lane, South Hayling, to an embankment adjoining an arm of the sea is a public highway, and achieves removal of a locked gate.

Day 165: In about 1909 OSS helps stop the closure of the footpath from the church to Vicarage Road, Steep, Hants, for road widening.

Day 166: In about 1910 the OSS helps to establish as a public bridleway the track leading from Pen-y-Pass to Snowdon and the removal from the sign of the words ‘Footpath on sufferance only’.

Day 167: In about 1909 the OSS persuades landowner to recognise road bet Rhyl and Prestatyn as public highway.

Day 168: In about 1910 the OSS wins for the public the right to Walton-on-the-Naze quay, Essex.

Day 169: In about 1910 the OSS wins recognition of residents’ rights to Edwardes Square, Kensington.

Day 170: In 1911 the OSS defeats the London Railway Bill which would have interfered with 23 acres of metropolitan open space and numerous paths.

Day 171: In 1911 the OSS stops three reservoirs from being built on common land in Wraysbury and Staines under the Metropolitan Water Bill.

Day 172: In 1912 the OSS prevents 58 acres of moorland being taken by the Great Western Railway Co in the parishes of Rhyndwychydach Mawr and Bettws, Glamorgan.

Day 173: In 1912 the OSS stops the Metropolitan Tramways Co Bill from taking a long strip of Finsbury Park.

Day 174: In 1912 the OSS wins an amendment to the Llanelly Rural District Water Bill to limit the enclosure of common land on Black Mountain, Carmarthenshire, and to give the public access rights.

Day 175: In 1912 the OSS opposes the enclosure of Colton Commons, Lancs and the proposal is abandoned.

Day 176: In 1912 the OSS achieves the removal of fencing from Harley Common, Presteigne, Powys.

Day 177: In 1912 the OSS persuades the landowner to accept commoners’ rights and two footpaths on Leziate Heath, Norfolk.

Day 178: In 1912 the OSS achieves the removal of an encroachment on common land at Wyke Green, Somerset.

Day 179: In 1912 the OSS establishes two public paths at Sundon, Beds.

Day 180: In 1912 the OSS negotiates a route round the cliffs as public paths at Llanelian, Anglesey.

Day 181: In about 1912 the OSS wins recognition for a public path along the back of Slipper Hill reservoir, Colne, Lancs.

July – click here to open/close

Day 182: In about 1912 the OSS helps to get a path at Grindleford Bridge, Derbys, reopened and recorded.

Day 183: In about 1912 the OSS helps to establish Shire Lane between Watford, Herts, and Chalfont, Bucks, as a public highway.

Day 184: In about 1912 the OSS helps to reopen footpaths on sandhills at Winthorpe and Skegness, Lincolnshire.

Day 185: In about 1913 the OSS proves that 41 paths (totalling 17 miles) at Bennington, Herts, are public highways.

Day 186: In about 1915 the OSS wins agreement between the landowner and Helmsley Rural District Council for six public paths at Oswaldkirk, North Yorkshire.

Day 187: In about 1915 the OSS reaches agreement with landowner and councils to secure a footpath at Crows Nest, Conwy.

Day 188: In 1919 the OSS wins an amendment to the Housing and Town Planning Bill to stop the New Forest from being taken for development.

Day 189: In 1919 the OSS wins an amendment to the Housing (Additional Powers) Act to protect commons and open spaces.

Day 190: In 1925 the OSS wins sections 193 and 194 of the Law of Property Act which protect commons from encroachment and give the public the right to walk and ride on many commons.

Day 191: In 1925 the OSS helps to form the National Playing Fields Association (now Fields in Trust) with a shared secretary, Lawrence Chubb.

Day 192: In 1927 we add ‘open spaces’ to our name to become the Commons, Open Spaces & Footpaths Preservation Society.

Day 193: In 1927 the OSS raises money to buy Selsdon Wood for the National Trust and Croydon Council.

Day 194: In 1928 OSS the advises Billericay Rural District Council, Essex, on the assertion of a bridleway and wins in court.

Day 195: In 1928 the OSS helps to save Hightown Common, Hampshire, and passes it to the National Trust. Today there is a seat there in memory of our former president, Lord Eversley.

Day 196: In 1930 the OSS helps to save Goppa Mountain Common near Swansea from enclosure.

Day 197: In 1930 the OSS helps to save paths at Aber Falls, Caernarvonshire, in court.

Day 198: In 1930 an OSS amendment to the Malvern Hills Bill prevents the conservators from granting licences for refreshment stalls on the hills without the approval of a local committee of architects, set up by the Council for the Preservation of Rural England and the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Day 199: In 1930 we stop the Duchy of Cornwall from leasing Broad Down, Dartmoor, for china-clay mining.

Day 200: In 1930 we win exchange land for 2 acres open space at Gaywood, Norfolk, which is to be used as a rubbish dump.

Day 201: In 1930 the OSS advises the Freebridge Lynn Rural District Council on a successful prosecution for a blocked path atWest Winch in Norfolk.

Day 202: In 1930 the OSS persuades Doncaster Corporation to provide exchange land on enclosure of the common.

Day 203: In 1930 the OSS prevents Southwold Corporation, Suffolk, from building a school on the common.

Day 204: In 1930 the OSS persuades the owner of Little Hampden Common, Bucks, to make a deed of access for walkers and riders under section 193 of the Law of Property Act 1925.

Day 205: In 1931 the OSS prevents the destruction of part of Camberwell Green through the London Electric, Metropolitan District, and Central London Railways Companies (Works) Bill 1931.

Day 206: In 1931 the OSS ensures that public notice is given of private bills which take commons and public open spaces.

Day 207: In 1932 the Rights of Way Act, which was drafted by OSS and establishes the law for claiming paths gets royal assent.

Day 208: In 1932 OSS helps to reopen the blocked approach road to Dovey ferry, west Wales .

Day 209: In 1932 the OSS persuades the Crown Commissioners to make a deed of access on all their rural commons in Wales, such as Pumlumon.

Day 210: In 1933 the OSS writes to all parish councils in England and Wales urging them to survey their paths.

Day 211: In 1935 the OSS helps to stop Hammersmith Borough Council from using part of Brook Green for the town hall.

Day 212: In 1935 the OSS persuades Eton Rural District Council to schedule Magna Carta Island and the Ankerwycke estate as public open space and to refuse the owners’ application for permission to develop them under the Interim Development Order 1933.

August – click here to open/close

Day 213: In 1935 the OSS raises money to buy Sullington Warren, West Sussex and gives it to the National Trust.

Day 214: In 1935 the OSS launches an appeal to buy threatened Mow Cop in Staffordshire which it gives to the National Trust.

Day 215: In 1935 the OSS raises funds to buy Selsdon Wood, Surrey, and give it to the National Trust.

Day 216: In 1936 the OSS helps save Hackney Marshes through court action to prevent appropriation.

Day 217: In 1936 the OSS helps to buy Hudnall Common, Herts, and give it to the National Trust.

Day 218: In 1938 the OSS helps to prevent a path at Jepson’s Clough, Lancs, from being diverted.

Day 219: In 1940 the OSS helps to establish a footpath at St Merryn’s, Cornwall, after 17-year dispute.

Day 220: In 1943 the OSS helps to defeat an application to enclose Elsdon village green in Northumberland.

Day 221: In 1945 the OSS and Ramblers publish a memo on behaviour in countryside and a code which becomes the Country Code in 1951.

Day 222: In 1946 OSS committee member and Home Secretary Chuter Ede replaces the stepping stones over the River Mole, Surrey.

Day 223: In 1947 the OSS helps to save Wanstead Flats, part of Epping Forest, from housing.

Day 224: In 1947 the OSS helps to achieve refusal of consent to extend sand workings on Midhurst Common, West Sussex.

Day 225: In 1948 the OSS helped save Grove Fields, Harrow on Hill, from development.

Day 226: In 1949 the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act, which the OSS helped to win, receives royal assent.

Day 227: In 1950 the OSS (in collaboration with the Ramblers) advises people how to survey and map public paths for the new definitive maps.

Day 228: In 1950 the Central Rights of Way Committee wis formed with the OSS as secretary.

Day 229: In 1953 the OSS mediates to stop dumping on Esher Common, Surrey.

Day 230: In 1953 the OSS adviseds residents at Stelling Minnis, Kent, to form a managing committee for the common. This is formally approved, with a statutory right of access for the public, and powers for the committee to protect the common from damage and abuse.

Day 231: In 1954 the OSS’s advice leads to a path claim in Littlehampton, East Sussex.

Day 232: In 1955 the OSS helps to win a path creation at Windermere, Lake District National Park. This is the first use by a national park authority of new path-creation powers in section 40 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

Day 233: In 1955 the OSS’s view is upheld in court that public paths are to be repaired by local authorities not the frontagers.

Day 234: In 1955 the OSS’s lobbying leads to the establishment of a Royal Commission on Common Land to determine the future of commons.

Day 235: In 1956 the closure order for a path in Hythe, Kent, by the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation is defeated: the OSS is an objector.

Day 236: In 1956 the OSS gives evidence to Royal Commission on Common Land, which takes two days.

Day 237: In 1957 the OSS helps to claim path on the east bank of the River Ouse between Lewes and Newhaven, East Sussex.

Day 238: In 1957 the OSS launches a competition for the design of a footpath sign for the downland between Seaford and Eastbourne in East Sussex.

Day 239: In 1958 the OSS helps save Woolacombe Cliffs, Devon from a car-park.

Day 240: In 1958 the OSS helps to save Berry Head, Brixham, from the extension of quarrying which was rejected by the minister‪.

Day 241: In 1959 the Bradbury Bequest is given to the OSS to erect signposts on public paths around Cheltenham, Glos.

Day 242: In 1959 the Eastbourne Downland Footpath Fund is created and administered by the OSS.

Day 243: In 1961 quarrying on Rudge Hill, Edge Common, Glos is rejected following opposition by OSS and YHA.

September – click here to open/close

Day 244: In 1961 the OSS opposes tin mining on the north Cornwall coast, the application is rejected.

Day 245: In 1961 Plymouth Corporation proposes a private bill for the construction of Harrowbeer aerodrome on common land at Roborough Down. The OSS opposes it and it is rejected.

Day 246: In 1962 OSS defeats clause in City of London Bill which required animals on Epping Forest to be tethered.

Day 247: In 1962 path obstructions are removed, thanks to the OSS, in Hants, E Sussex, Essex, Berks and Somerset.

Day 248: In 1960 the OSS helps stop a rubbish dump at Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex, on land bought by Seaford Urban District Council for the preservation of its natural beauty; we fight the case at a public inquiry (represented by Herbert Gatliff) and win.

Day 249: In 1960 the OSS persuades East Sussex County Council to replace missing the Sound Bridge at the junction of the River Ouse and Glynde Beach.

Day 250: In 1960 the OSS persuades (via the magistrates’ court) West Sussex County Council to repair the bridge over the River Rother at Petworth.

Day 251: In 1962 the OSS helps to save paths Portcurno, Weston Turville and Wraysbury from closure or diversion.

Day 252: In 1963 the OSS opposes a planning application for housing on Sandown Park racecourse, Esher, Surrey and it was rejected.

Day 253: In 1963 the OSS wins a proviso in the Barry Corporation Bill that all public paths are to be protected in the Nell’s Point Butlins development.

Day 254: In 1964 the OSS improves the bill to inclose Kingsmoor Common, Pembrokeshire, by reducing the area taken for housing and industry.

Day 255: In 1965, on 24 April, the Pennine Way is opened; the OSS has backed the idea of long-distance paths and this is the first one.

Day 256: In 1965 the Commons Registration Act receives royal assent, following a campaign by the OSS for all commons to be recorded.

Day 257: In 1965 the OSS helps to save Wycombe Rye open space from appropriation for an inner relief road, succesfully arguing the case in parliament.

Day 258: In 1966 an application for a bungalow on Tebay Fell Common, Cumbria, is refused after OSS objection.

Day 259: In 1967 the OSS petitions against Greater London Council (General Powers) Bill and persuades select committee to remove clauses enabling the council to use Hainault Forest for caravans.

Day 260: In 1967 the minister refuses fencing on Ravenstonedale Common, Westmorland, following an objection from OSS.

Day 261: In 1968 the OSS wins an amendment to St Mary, Hornsey, Bill to set out and maintain part of the grounds as a public garden.

Day 262: In 1969 the certificate for the appropriation of Durdham Downs, Bristol, is refused. The OSS said the exchange land was unsuitable.

Day 263: In 1970 the inner ring road across Langholme Meadow, Bedford, is rejected: OSS said the land offered in exchange for the open space to be taken was inadequate.

Day 264: In 1971 the OSS and others wins two three-metre wide footways/cycleways on the new Humber Bridge in the Humber Bridge Bill.

Day 265: In 1972 the OSS wins exchange land for the turbary to be taken when the bypass for Lychett Minster, Dorset, is built.

Day 266: In 1972 the OSS wins exchange common land when the Esher bypass is built.

Day 267: In 1973 the OSS helps to stop the Ordnance Survey from abandoning its 2½ inch maps.

Day 268: In 1974 the OSS registers Little Haseley Green, Oxon as a village green.

Day 269: OSS registers Merridge Hill, Spaxton and Ash Priors Common in Somerset as commons.

Day 270: In 1976 OSS improves Coity Wallia Commons Act (Bridgend) to safeguard the common and commoners’ rights.

Day 271: In 1979 the OSS helps to ensure that proper exchange land is provided for the compulsory purchase of part of Wisley Common, Surrey.

Day 272: In 1981 the OSS helps to prevent the deregistration of Heslington Tillmire common, near York.

Day 273: In 1982 a planning application for gravel extraction on Staines Moor common, Surrey, is refused. The OSS objected to it.

October – click here to open/close

Day 274: In 1983 the OSS and Ramblers’ Association publish the first edition of the blue bible, Rights of Way a guide to law and practice.

Day 275: In 1983 the OSS is given its first landholding, Hambutts Field at Painswick in Gloucestershire, which it holds as open space for the public. The Cotswold Way runs through the field.

Day 276: In 1984 the OSS’s friendly action with Welsh Water proves that the Elan Valley commons with access rights in central Wales cannot be enclosed.

Day 277: In 1984 the OSS wins amendments to the Bournemouth Bill to save commons and parks from sale by the council.

Day 278: In 1984 the military’s plan to occupy 6,000 acres at Luddesdown in North Kent are rejected, OSS objected at the public inquiry.

Day 279: In 1985 the OSS persuades Lincoln City Council to amend its private bill for the management of its Lincoln commons to require the council to review annually the area to be enclosed under the bill, to consult the public about encroachments and to set up an advisory committee on which the OSS is represented.

Day 280: In 1985 the OSS publishes first edition of our book Our Common Land, on the law and history of commons and greens.

Day 281: In 1985 development on Copthorne Common, W Sussex, is rejected, the OSS opposed it.

Day 282: In 1985 the OSS helps stop Ealing Borough Council from building 12 houses on Jubilee Gardens, Southall.

Day 283: In 1986 the Rothschilds remove obstructions from paths on Waddesdon estate, Bucks, after OSS intervention.

Day 284: In 1986 the OSS helps members at Penn Common, Wolverhampton, win a case in the high court to stop the golf club from preventing them from exercising their common rights.

Day 329: Wetley Moor common, Staffs, is saved from fencing after public inquiry at which our local correspondent Edgar Powell appears as an objector.

Day 330: In 2004 the OSS stops the closure of a footpath at Norcot Nursery School Reading, the first case under the new law relating to closures and diversions of paths across school premises.

Day 331: In 2004 the OSS chairman Rodney Legg wins a new square mile of public access land in Dorset and Somerset, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Day 332: In 2005 Dartmouth footpath 10 at Castle Cove in Devon, is to be reopened after pressure from the OSS.

Day 333: The Commons Act 2006 won royal assent, providing better laws to protect common land, legislation for which OSS lobbied.

Day 334: In 2006 the footpath across Northwick Park golf course, Brent, is saved from closure by OSS member Gaynor Lloyd who represented the society at the public inquiry.

December – click here to open/close

Day 335: In 2006 OSS’s Chris Beney, who has served on the working party for a British Standard for structures on public highways, produces the revised British Standard 5709, to make life easier for all path users.

Day 336: In 2007 the OSS helps defeat a car-park on Ewyas Harold Common, Herefordshire.

Day 337: In 2007 a new law for village greens, in section 15 of the Commons Act 2006, takes effect, OSS lobbied for this.

Day 338: In 2007 Brooklands Passage, London Borough of Lambeth, is saved from closure after the OSS objected.

Day 339: In 2007 the OSS helps prevent a village hall being built on Garway Common, Herefordshire.

Day 340: In 2008 the OSS helps to pioneer a DVD on the management of threatened lowland commons.

Day 341: In 2008 the OSS wins an amendment to the Planning Act to safeguard commons.

Day 342: In 2009 Crowborough Common, East Sussex, is saved from a damaging land-exchange, OSS objected.